STAPLES — Martin B. Etzler, age 90, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Health System Hospital on Sunday, Oct. 21. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. The wake will be held on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. at the Brenny Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service, at the church. Parish prayers will be held on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m.

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Martin was born on March 7, 1922, to Charles and Ethyl (Sutton) Etzler, near Staples. He attended country school and helped on the family farm. In 1945, he entered the Army, and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge. On April 27, 1948, he married Jeanette Kowalski, at St. Michael’s Church in Motley. Martin worked as a carpenter nearly all his life. He enjoyed hunting, gardening and woodworking. He was a member of the VFW and Sacred Heart Church.

Martin is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jeanette; children, Martin (Margie) of Staples, Kenneth (Cathy) of Corcoran, Sherry (Timothy) Godby of Pfafftown, N.C., Melvin (Cathie) of Killdeer, N.D., and Doreen (Devon) Shafer of Hackensack; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and six sisters.

I've worked at the Brainerd Dispatch with various duties since Dec. 7, 1983. Starting off as an Ad Designer and currently Director of Audience Development. The Dispatch has been an interesting and challenging place to work. I'm fortunate to have made many friends, both co-workers and customers.